Firewood permits for the Tahoe National Forest can be purchased beginning May 12.

The price for permits is $15 per cord with a two-cord minimum and an annual 10-cord maximum per household. Permits can be obtained at all TNF Ranger Stations, the Forest Headquarters or by mail. Applications for mail-in permits can be found online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/. Firewood season will extend into the fall, until rain and snow traditionally make the roads impassable.

On the Yuba River Ranger District, woodcutting will end no later than Nov. 7 to protect hardwood trees that lose their leaves and may appear to be dead. The remainder of the forest will be open for cutting until Nov. 30 depending on the weather and its effect on forest roads.

In general, the firewood permit allows removal of dead and down wood on TNF system lands unless otherwise signed, but not on private land. It also authorizes removal of standing dead conifer trees within 200 feet of some roads. Trees may not be cut if marked with paint, wildlife signs, boundary landmark signs, other official signs or in areas closed to woodcutting.

Tom Quinn, TNF supervisor, reminds woodcutters to carefully study the maps accompanying the permits to see which areas are closed to firewood cutting.

“The amount of snow in the higher elevations this year may reduce early access to some of the forest, however it is still a good idea to get your wood as soon as possible so it has a chance to dry. Dry wood provides 50% more heating value and emits fewer pollutants than an equal weight of green wood,” Quinn said in a press release.

Wood cutters are reminded that they are required to keep a serviceable shovel at least 46 inches long and an approved fire extinguisher (2 pound dry chemical or 1 pound foam type – ABC or greater) within 25 feet of where saws are being operated. All gasoline-powered saws, splitters, etc. must have a USFS approved spark arrester installed. Transportation load tickets will be issued along with the permit.

To determine what areas are open for cutting and the fire danger for the day, call the woodcutting hot line for the Ranger District where you plan to cut wood (also found on the permit).

Forest Headquarters – Nevada City, (530) 265.4531, 631 Coyote St. Nevada City, CA 95959

Woodcutting Hot Line: (530) 478.6253